I think I have found one of the best films of 2008 so far. In a year where summer blockbusters are getting all the limelight it’s nice to see that there are still smaller, more intricate films out there, even if they’re buried pretty deep. Dummy is a painfully honest and exhaustively emotional film.

After the death of their mother, two brothers deal with the loss in very different ways. The young one, who was closest with his mother, carries on as if she’s still alive by staying in her room and even dressing up a dummy to look like her while the older one turns to a life of constant partying, sex, and even drugs.

I think the biggest compliment I can pay this, and there are going to be many, let me tell you, is that it’s one of the most believable films I have seen in quite a while. It possesses a combination of tragedy and realism, fantastic performances from little known actors (which always helps to grab you into the story), and a freedom to show and deal with certain things that make it honest and believable.

The film makes us feel extremely sorry for the characters, especially the younger brother who feels the loss the most, but without it feeling like it’s forcing us to feel a certain way. The music throughout is so strong and emotive and yet subtle at the same time; it’s amazing that they got such a combination so perfect.

It’s strange how the tone of the film feels almost light and breezy, and sometimes even upbeat, which contrasts with some of the shocking and downright horrible incidents that occur. Some the scenes had me literally glued to the screen — the film just grabbed a hold of me almost from the opening minute and held me right up until the end.